Jets keeping Koepke in fold
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The Winnipeg Jets saw enough from Cole Koepke to determine they wanted to keep him around for a couple more seasons.
Koepke, who led the Jets in hits (186) and chipped in eight goals and 17 points in 66 games, agreed to a two-year deal with an AAV of US$1.45 million that was announced on Saturday afternoon.
The speedy left-winger matched his career high for points and made a solid contribution to the penalty kill in his first season with the Jets.
For a team that needs to be faster and harder to play against, retaining Koepke before he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 is a smart move.
Koepke, who turns 28 next month, gets a raise and the security of a multiyear contract.
Other players on the Jets roster who can become unrestricted free agents on July 1 include backup goalie Eric Comrie, defencemen Colin Miller, Ville Heinola and Jacob Bryson, and forwards Gustav Nyquist and Winnipegger Jonathan Toews, who is considering retirement.
David Zalubowski / The Associated Press
Winnipeg Jets left wing Cole Koepke (45) drives past Colorado Avalanche defenceman Brent Burns, right, to score in the second period of an NHL hockey game on March 28 in Denver.